Becoming more independent through minimalism..

Today I’d like to share how minimalism can lead to a more independent lifestyle. What I mean by this is, you can decrease your dependence on store bought items and reduce the amount of time you spend in stores in general! You should be going to the store less as it is, if you have committed to being minimalistic, because you will no longer be spending time shopping as an activity to cure boredom, stress etc.

I am going to share with you how simple and satisfying it is to create your own natural health care products for literal pennies! Why continue going to the store and buying overpriced, chemical laden products when you can make them in a matter of minutes for next to nothing at home? Experimenting with your own homemade items saves you time, money and stress. People may think they don’t have the time to make things on their own, but I guarantee you making these simple items at home takes much less time than driving to the store, figuring out which items to buy (and only being able to choose from what is on the shelf–creating products at home gives you the freedom to make them unique to your own taste), standing in line to fork over your hard earned money, and then battling traffic to make it back home with said items.

These are the very simple recipes I use to make: sunscreen, facial moisturizer, body lotion and deodorant. I have found all the items I needed at my local grocery store or on Amazon.

Sunscreen SPF 20+ ( I have used this here in Florida in the middle of the afternoon, and no burns!) Items needed: Shea Butter, Coconut Oil (make sure it is virgin and unprocessed) and Zinc Oxide (non-nano).

2 oz. or 4 tbsp (if you do not have a scale) of Shea Butter, 2 oz. Coconut Oil and 2 oz. Zinc Oxide. Yes, equal parts for all ingredients.

1.) Melt Shea Butter and Coconut Oil in double boiler until softened. You can make a makeshift double boiler, by putting any heat resistant container in a pot containing a small amount of water. The double boiler process is to ensure you don’t burn your products.

2.) Remove from heat and stir in Zinc, be careful not to breath in the powder. Stir for at least 30 seconds to ensure it is well incorporated.

3.) Pour in container and let cool.

Facial Moisturizer- This one is beyond easy. Scoop out some coconut oil from large container and place in smaller container that will fit in your medicine cabinet. That’s it! Bonus: I also brush my teeth with only coconut oil 🙂 I will have a picture of my pearly whites at the end. Coconut oil is a natural antibacterial and antifungal and whitens teeth! It’s also a great cooking oil replacement with loads of benefits, but I’ll cover that another time. Coconut oil should be a staple in your home. My personal favorite being Nutiva brand.

Body Lotion- All I did to make my own body lotion was put equal parts Shea Butter and Coconut Oil in the double boiler until melted, mix and then place in short glass container with lid to cool. As the mixture has started to cool down some, you can add essential oils to change the scent to your preference.

Place all ingredients in bowl and mix well. This is a soft deodorant that I keep in a lidded glass jar and apply with my finger. This is a deodorant, not an antiperspirant, so you will still sweat (which is a natural human function that should not be restricted), but you will not smell bad!

Yes, that is how simple it is to make your main bathroom staples right at home! I prefer to use a few main ingredients because it keeps costs low and I don’t have to run to the store for new items each time I make a new recipe.